Johnstown is a vibrant city in the scenic Laurel Mountains known for its year-round cultural events and beautiful parks. The city is home to about 18,000 residents, over one in five of whom are aged 65 and over. It’s among the cheapest places to live in Pennsylvania, with an overall cost of living that’s 20% below the state median, and retiree-friendly state income tax laws provide even more savings for older residents.
Assisted living facilities in Johnstown accommodate older adults who are mostly independent but need some help with daily living activities, such as personal grooming, toileting and meal preparation. These residential facilities promote a low-maintenance lifestyle with convenient services, such as daily meals, housekeeping and linen care, and some allow residents to have small pets. Residents also participate in social and recreational activities throughout the week to prevent boredom and loneliness. On average, assisted living facilities in Johnstown charge $2,725 per month for care. This is significantly lower than state and national medians.
This introductory guide for assisted living in Johnstown provides more information on care costs within the city and highlights common ways seniors pay for care. It also outlines agencies and programs that serve older adults.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Pennsylvania. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
In Johnstown, assisted living residents pay $2,725 for monthly care.
Johnstown is among the most affordable places in the state and nation to obtain assisted living services, with rates averaging $2,725 per month. By comparison, the state rate is over $1,000 higher at $4,100, and nationally, seniors pay $4,500 for care.
Assisted living facilities in Johnstown charge approximately $2,725 per month for services, making it the cheapest surveyed city in Pennsylvania to obtain care. In Pittsburgh, monthly care costs are several hundred dollars at $3,250. Assisted living residents in Erie pay $4,585 per month for care, and in Chambersburg, monthly fees surpass Johnstown’s rate by over $2,000 at $4,823. Seniors in East Stroudsburg pay $5,126 for assisted living, and in Philadelphia, monthly rates come in at $5,685. In Reading, where care costs are the highest recorded in the state, monthly fees are more than double Johnstown’s average at $5,720.
How to Get Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Johnstown
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Pennsylvania.
Resource | Contact | Service |
Johnstown Senior Center | (814) 535-8634 | The Johnstown Senior Center is a nonprofit organization that provides social and recreational programs for those aged 60 and over. It hosts daily congregate meals, along with special events throughout the year. The center is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. |
Cambria County Area Agency on Aging | (814) 539-5595 | The Area Agency on Aging for the Johnstown region promotes the comfort and quality of life of seniors through free and low-cost programs. It’s staffed with specialists who help those aged 60 and over find resources in the community, including prescription drug assistance, long-term care options counseling and public benefits assistance. |
Retired and Senior Volunteer Program | (800) 323-9997 | The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program provides volunteer opportunities exclusively to those aged 55 and over in the Johnstown region. Depending on participants’ interests and abilities, they may serve their community in local schools, libraries and museums and donate their time to charities and nonprofit organizations. |
Veterans Affairs | (814) 472-1590 | The local Veterans Affairs office helps older veterans and their spouses or survivors access the local, state and federal benefits they’re entitled to. Older veterans can call or visit the office for assistance with applying for benefits, such as Aid and Attendance, compiling supporting documents and following up on claims. |
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | (717) 783–8975 | The long-term care ombudsman serves as an advocate for older adults in assisted living, helping them understand their rights and the process for reporting substandard care. The ombudsman can also help seniors consider their options for paying for long-term care. |
Laurel Legal Services | (800) 253-9558 | Laurel Legal Services is a nonprofit regional agency that provides civil legal services at no cost to those aged 60 and over in Johnstown. It has licensed legal professionals who can help you apply for public benefits and dispute denied applications. The office can also help you review assisted living contracts. |
PA MEDI | (800) 783-7067 | PA MEDI is a free statewide program that administers unbiased health insurance options counseling for seniors. You can call the program’s helpline to speak with an advisor about Medicare’s benefits, coverage limits, enrollment windows and private options, such as Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Johnstown area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.